When heating the water in a water heater, lots of pressure is produced. If the pressure doesn’t have a place to go, it will build up in the water heater tank. This is dangerous to the extent that it may explode. Fortunately, pairing the water heater with an expansion provides room for this excessive pressure somewhere to flow. It admits some of the water, regulating the pressure within the water heater tank. Unfortunately, the thermal expansion tanks also run into problems that reduce their efficiency at regulating the water heater pressure. In this article, you will learn how you can prevent those issues, the types of tanks you can have a plumber near me in Boca Raton, FL, install, and how to choose an expansion tank.
Thermal Expansion Tank Types
Water heater expansion tanks can be broadly categorized into; compression and bladder/diaphragm expansion tanks.
Bladder Expansion Tanks
These thermal expansion tanks are just like plain steel tanks. However, they have an additional membrane that allows the separation of the air being compressed and water. The membrane prevents the air from being absorbed by the system. Additionally, it removes any chance of corrosion on the tank while preventing water logging problems. Hence, this is a well- thought out expansion tank that you should have a plumber near me install when replacing your old tank or water heater.
Compression Tanks
The other type of thermal expansion tank a plumber near me can install in your plumbing system is the compression or plain steel tank. These tanks primarily provide room for water which expands after heating. As explained above, heating the water expands, increasing volume. Hence a compression expansion tank facilitates the system’s operation by providing an additional room where the hot water can be admitted.
Choosing The Right Thermal Expansion Tank For My Water Heater
Choosing the effective, right water heater thermal expansion tank isn’t the hardest. It is easy that you can even purchase it yourself. You should purchase a properly sized thermal expansion tank to get the most for your money. Hence, you should consider the following when choosing a thermal expansion tank for your water heater.
- The pressure levels in your water supply.
- The total capacity of the water heater tank.
However, a plumber near me in Boca Raton, FL, recommends purchasing a slightly larger water heater thermal expansion tank than recommended. This will allow for a more efficient operation. That is why you should consult them before making the down payment.
What Can Happen If You Buy a Tank Of the Wrong Size?
There’s no universal size of a water heater thermal expansion tank. Hence, you need a tank that has sufficient capacity. Any plumber near me will tell you that purchasing a system with a larger capacity is safer. If the tank is too small, it will not efficiently do its only job of adequately holding pressure and expanded water.
How Can You Avoid The Common Thermal Expansion Tank Problems?
A thermal expansion doesn’t last too long. For instance, if a water heater is waterlogged, it won’t be able to function efficiently. A plumber near me recommends that you replace the tank after every 5-10 years. However, there are several things that you could do to ensure that the expansion tank remains in a top state, including:
Watching out for condensation: Condensation is a huge problem for thermal expansion tanks. It could be caused by water logging in the thermal expansion tank or a humid climate. Either way, condensation can prove dangerous, especially if you’ve installed the tank close to an electrical device.
Conduct a tap test: Tao test involves tapping and knocking on your thermal expansion and listening to its sound. Do you hear a hollow, ringing sound? That is a sign that there’s air inside the tank. However, if the tank produces a duller sound, which shows the tank is full and should be replaced by a plumber near me.
Monitoring the pressure release valve in your water heater closely: The pressure release valve releases the hot water if there’s excess pressure in the tank that it can handle. If the valve is constantly dripping, that is a sign it is faulty and should be replaced.
Upgrading the thermal expansion tank before it fails: You don’t have to wait long until the problem is beyond repair for you to replace the thermal expansion valve. It is generally recommended that you replace the tank when replacing the water heater.
Immediately replacing the faulty thermal expansion tank: If the tank is faulty or not operating at maximum efficiency, your home is at considerable risk. Whenever you notice a sign that the tank has a problem, have a plumber near me in Boca Raton, FL, come for an inspection and start planning for a new thermal expansion tank.
Why Should You Worry About Pressure?
You could be tempted to believe that having high water pressure isn’t a huge concern. However, your water system’s water pressure is an important component. Pipes, appliances, and fixtures are, however, subject to additional stress in situations where water pressure is extremely high. For instance, your showerheads, faucets, and toilets are made to operate within a certain range of pressure. These appliances may malfunction if you use them past that point, necessitating that you have a plumber near me replace them.
High pressure can cause minor leaks that might go undetected for months, especially if they are above ceilings, behind walls, or beneath floors. Small leaks could lead to deadly mold development, decay in your home’s wood frames, and structural damage. Extremely high pressure also can result in frequent pipe breaks, resulting in catastrophic damage and financial loss. You must constantly watch for any signs of high pressure.
Installing a thermal expansion tank protects your family and your plumbing. Do you need one installed at your home? Contact us at MainLine Plumbing today for an installation or repair service.